Letting Go

Dear Yoga DiVita Family,

Well, y'all. This is a BIG one.

Over the past three months, our practices have explored Power, Balance, and now, Letting Go.

Funny how life has a way of making sure we actually practice what we teach, isn't it?

And boy, has she been knocking on my door!

I've been sitting with something for quite some time, and today, with a tender heart, a few tears, some nervous excitement, and a whole lot of love, I'm ready to share it with you.

Yoga DiVita is entering a new chapter. And so am I.

Since 2003, Yoga DiVita has been its own little universe. A place to show up, move, breathe, laugh, cry, grow, and sometimes make some pretty ridiculous noises together. A place where people could feel seen, supported, encouraged, and reminded that they belong exactly as they are.

For more than 20 years, this has been a part of my identity, my heart, and my life's work.

And that isn't changing.

But the way I offer it is.

Over the past few years, I've felt a growing desire to do things differently. To link arms with other teachers, healers, artists, and creative souls. To create experiences that bring different modalities together, open conversations, and remind people of the beauty of being in community.

Because at the heart of Yoga DiVita, it's never really been about the four walls.

It's always been about the humans inside them.

This past year, returning to the familiarity of teaching at Legion Martial Arts has been a gift. I've reconnected with some of you, met so many beautiful new faces, and shared moments I will carry with me forever.

To everyone who has walked through those doors, please know how much you mean to me. Your presence, your trust, your willingness to show up and share space have filled my heart.

And that's what makes this next part so tender.

I've also had to face something that hasn't been easy to admit.

Financially, maintaining my own teaching space is no longer sustainable.

There. I said it.

Whew.

Not because the people showing up aren't enough. You are more than enough. Every single one of you.

But the reality of operating a space, balancing the financial responsibilities, wearing all the hats, and trying to be everywhere at once has taken its toll.

I've felt stretched, scattered, and, if I'm being completely transparent, out of balance.

The very thing I've spent the past 23 years helping others navigate.

Oh, the irony! LOL!

I've also come to realize that the way we gather, practice, and connect has evolved. People want options. Flexibility. Spontaneity. Different experiences that fit their lives.

And guess what? So do I!

I want more freedom to teach, create, collaborate, learn, and serve without the constant weight of keeping a space financially afloat.

And somewhere between practicing power, seeking balance, and exploring the art of letting go, my Soulself started getting louder.

The whispers became nudges. The nudges became impossible to ignore.

And then came the AH-HA!

Sometimes what we're holding on to is the very thing keeping us from stepping into what's next.

Now, here's where this story gets really beautiful.

One of my dearest friends, a wildly talented teacher and an all-around extraordinary human, has recently stepped into a dream of her own.

Joanna Ducey!

Many of you who've been part of the Yoga DiVita journey for years will remember Jo. We taught alongside one another, shared space, supported each other, and built a friendship and sisterhood I cherish deeply.

Well, this fierce, passionate, beautiful soul has recently taken ownership of Yoga in Common in Myrtle Beach!

And I could not be more proud of her.

As I watched her step into this new chapter, something inside me kept whispering...

Call her.

Talk to her.

Share what's on your heart.

And finally, I listened.

Y'all, when I got off the phone with Jo, I cried.

Not just a few little tears, either.

I cried for what I knew I was ready to release. I cried for the woman who has spent more than two decades building, holding, nurturing, and carrying Yoga DiVita. I cried for all the memories, the relationships, the lessons, and the love.

And somewhere in those tears was something else.

Relief. Possibility. Excitement. Freedom.

Grief and love really do travel together.

I realized that I wasn't grieving the end of Yoga DiVita. I was grieving the release of a role I had held for so long.

The responsibility of having the keys. Of being the one who holds it all together. Of believing that to continue doing what I love, I had to keep doing it the way I always had.

And suddenly, I could see another way.

So, with tears in my eyes and excitement bursting out of my heart, I am absolutely THRILLED to announce that I will be joining Joanna and the Yoga in Common community!

Jo, you fierce, fabulous human, I am so incredibly excited to lock arms with you!

This isn't goodbye to Yoga DiVita.

It's an evolution.

It's an opportunity for me to pour more energy into what lights me up: teaching yoga, mentoring and supporting other teachers, sharing Ayurvedic wisdom, creating meaningful experiences, and connecting with people in ways that feel authentic and nourishing.

I'm letting go of the responsibility of maintaining my own studio space so I can become a more present teacher, collaborator, and human.

Less managing the space. More making space for the magic.

And if that isn't living my practice, I don't know what is!

So, what happens next?

We're not packing up the yoga mats just yet!

I will continue teaching our regular classes at Legion Martial Arts through Friday, November 27th.

And I would LOVE for you to keep showing up.

Seriously. Don't disappear on me now!

Let's make these remaining weeks at the dojo something special. Let's breathe, move, chant, stretch, laugh, cry, gorilla stomp, and celebrate everything this space has given us.

Let's honor what has been while making room for what's becoming.

Here's what you need to know about class passes:

• 10-class passes are no longer available for purchase.

• 4-week passes will remain available through October 27th.

• Walk-in classes will continue through our final dojo class on Friday, November 27th.

• Existing 10-class passes: Two of you have passes that expire in December. I'll reach out personally to discuss options for any unused classes as we wrap up our time at the dojo.

I'll be sharing more details about classes, offerings, and opportunities at Yoga in Common as this next chapter unfolds.

And don't worry, I'm not moving away!

I'm simply shifting how and where I share what I've spent decades learning, living, and loving.

One last thing, from my heart to yours.

This is HUGE for me.

I'm nervous. I'm excited. I'm grieving. I'm relieved. And yes, there are moments when I'd really like to throw a little temper tantrum and crawl back into what's familiar.

Because letting go is messy sometimes.

But isn't that what we've been practicing?

Finding our power doesn't always mean pushing harder.

Finding balance doesn't always mean doing more.

And letting go doesn't always mean losing something.

Sometimes it means trusting yourself enough to make a different choice.

To honor what you've built while recognizing that you've grown beyond the way you've been carrying it.

I don't have every detail figured out, and for once, I'm allowing that to be okay.

To every student, friend, teacher, and beautiful human who has helped shape Yoga DiVita, thank you.

Thank you for growing with me, trusting me, challenging me, laughing with me, and allowing me to be part of your journey.

You've helped create a community.

And community doesn't disappear when the address changes.

It travels with us.

So, here's to awkward growth, courageous choices, new beginnings, and the beautiful, sometimes uncomfortable art of letting go.

I hope you'll come along for this next adventure.

With so much love, gratitude, and a few happy tears,

Dawn Shanthi DiVita
Yoga DiVita

Still here. Still teaching. Still a little unfiltered. Just making room for what's next. ❤️🍂